It looks like the gas-filled strut to open the pop-up roof was an official
factory option in Europe for years on the Vanagon Westies.

For those with ETKA, look up under Local Market (not USA) and select CAMP
Campomobile (Typ2/Transp./LT) and choose any year from 1980 to 1991 and
further select Campmobil-Typ 2.

Then under MG (Model Group) select 0, under SG select 70 and under
ILLUSTRATION select 47 for the gas-filled strut.

Sadly most of the parts are no no longer available but it sure looks like it
was a factory option from at least 1980 to 1991.

cheers

Rich
1990 Westy
Vancouver BC